Jammu, Sept 06: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, on Saturday undertook an extensive tour of Block Maira Mandrian and Kathar to assess the damages caused by the recent floods and oversee the relief measures being extended to the affected families.
The minister was accompanied by senior officials of the district administration, Revenue, FCS&CA, PWD, PHE, and Rural Development departments. He visited several inundated localities, inspected damaged houses, agricultural fields, and public infrastructure, and interacted with the people to understand their immediate requirements.
During his visit, Sharma expressed solidarity with the affected families and assured them that the government is fully committed to their speedy rehabilitation and restoration of normalcy. He directed the district administration to carry out on-the-spot assessment of damages to houses, crops, and livestock so that adequate compensation is provided without delay.
The minister stressed the need for an adequate supply of food grains, clean drinking water, electricity, and medical facilities in the affected areas. He instructed the Food & Civil Supplies Department to ensure uninterrupted distribution of ration under PDS and asked the health department to deploy mobile health units to vulnerable areas for immediate medical aid.
Sharma directed the PWD and Rural Development departments to undertake urgent restoration of damaged roads, culverts, and link paths to ensure smooth connectivity of the villages with main roads, thereby facilitating quick transportation of relief material.
Highlighting the need for long-term solutions, the minister said the government is working on comprehensive flood management and mitigation strategies for the region to reduce the recurring loss of life and property during heavy rains.
On the occasion, the locals, while interacting with the minister, raised certain concerns and issues like drainage, embankments, and road safety.
Addressing the locals, Sharma said, “This is a difficult time for our people, but I assure you that no family will be left unattended. The government is taking every possible step to provide relief, restore essential services, and support the affected households in rebuilding their lives.”
The minister reiterated that the government will remain on high alert until complete normalcy is restored. Sharma said he himself will continue to monitor the progress of relief and rehabilitation works in the constituency.
